FamilySearch Records Updated

We continue to have new FREE records added to FamilySearch and the last couple of months are no exception! As you remember, some of the following databases are new records being added; some are new images added to existing databases; or are new indexes or additional indexes to existing databases. So if you have tried these databases in the past with no luck, try again!

Remember that next week is what we have all been waiting for as the 1940 U.S. Census records will be posted at FamilySearch. Don't forget to go to the1940census.com and register to help index the records. Even if you are already indexing on the FamilySearch website or on one of the indexing apps on your phone or other mobile device you need to register.

Here are new or updated record sets released over the last couple of months:

Australia, Births and Baptisms, 1792-1981
Australia, NSW and ACT, Masonic Lodge Registers, 1831-2004
Australia, Tasmania, Miscellaneous Records, 1829-1961
Bahamas, Civil Registration, 1850-1959
Bolivia, Catholic Church Records, 1566-1996
Brazil, Immigration Cards, 1900-1965
Brazil, Marriages, 1730-1955

Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1831
Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1842
Canada, New Brunswick, Births and Baptisms, 1819-1899
Canada, New Brunswick, Late Registration of Births, 1810-1899
Canada, Nova Scotia, Births and Baptisms, 1702-1896
Canada, Ontario, Births and Baptisms, 1779-1899
Canada, Ontario, Roman Catholic Church Records, 1760-1923
Canada, Quebec Notarial Records, 1800-1900
Canada, Quebec, Quebec Judicial District, Guardianships, 1639-1930
Canada, Saskatchewan, Probate Estate Files, 1887-1931
Canada, Saskatchewan Provincial Records, 1879-1987

Caribbean, Births and Baptisms, 1590-1928
Chile, Civil Registration, 1885-1903
Chile, Santiago, Cementerio General, 1821-2010
Colombia, Catholic Church Records, 1600-2009
Cote d'Ivoire, Census, 1975
Czech Republic, Třeboň, Nobility Seignorial records, 1619-1859

Dominican Republic, Catholic Church Records, 1590-1955
El Salvador, Catholic Church Records, 1655-1977
England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
England, Derbyshire, Church of England Parish Registers, 1538-1910
England, Dorset, Parish Registers, 1538-1910
England, Kent, Land Tax Assessments, 1689-1832
England, Kent, Wills and Probate, 1440-1881
England, Marriages, 1538–1973
Estonia, Population Registers, 1918-1944Finland, Baptisms, 1657-1890
Finland, Marriages, 1682-1892

Germany, Brandenburg, Angermünde, Miscellaneous City Records 1706-1922
Germany, Brandenburg, Heegermühle, Church Records, 1664-1824
Germany, Saxony, Bautzen, Church Records, 1699-1915
Germany, Saxony, Bautzen, Citizen Rolls, 1496-1923
Germany, Saxony, Dresden, Citizen's Documents & Business Licenses, 1820-1962
Germany, Saxony, Freiberg, Funeral Sermons, 1614-1661
Germany, Saxony, Meissen, Miscellaneous City Records, 1724-1889
Germany, Württemberg, Schwäbisch Hall, Probate Records, 1803-1932
Germany, Württemberg, Schwäbisch Hall, Probate Records, 1803-1925

Hungary Reformed Church Christenings, 1624-1895
Ireland, Marriages, 1619-1898
Italy, Biella, Borriana, Catholic Church Records, 1740-1938
Italy, L'Aquila, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1809-1865
Italy, Messina, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1820-1865
Italy, Messina, Messina, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1939
Italy, Messina, Patti, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1865-1910
Italy, Torino, Torino, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1899
Italy, Treviso, Treviso, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1871-1941
Korea, Collection of Genealogies, 1500-2009

Mexico, Campeche, Civil Registration, 1860-1926
Mexico, Coahuila, Civil Registration, 1861-1998
Mexico, Guanajuato, Catholic Church Records, 1576-1984
Mexico, Hidalgo, Civil Registration, 1861-1967
Mexico, Oaxaca, Civil Registration, 1861-2002
Mexico, Querétaro, Civil Registration, 1864-2005
Mexico, Yucatán, Civil Registration. 1860-1926

Micronesia, Pohnpei Civil Registration, 1948-2009
Netherlands, Army Service Records, 1807-1929
New Zealand, Probate Records, 1878-1960
Nicaragua, Civil Registration, 1809-2011
Nova Scotia, Church Records, 1720-2001
Peru, Civil Registration, 1874-1996
Portugal, Porto, Catholic Church Records, 1535-1949
Portugal, Viseu, Catholic Church Records, 1523-1989
Portugal, Viana do Castelo, Catholic Church Records, 1537-1909
Russia, Tver Confession Lists, 1728-1913.

Slovenia, Ljubljana, Funeral Accounts, 1937-1970
Spain, Municipal Records
Sweden, Kopparberg Church Records, 1604-1900; index 1628-1860
Sweden, Kristianstad Church Records, 1585-1910; index 1646-1860
Sweden, Kronoberg Church records to 1860
Sweden, Malmöhus Church Records, 1541-1918; index 1646-1860
Sweden, Norrbotten Church Records, 1612-1923; index 1658-1860
Sweden, Örebro Church Records, 1613-1918; index 1635-1860
Sweden, Östergötland Church Records, 1555-1911; index 1616-1860
Sweden, Södermanland Church Records, 1604-1900; index 1640-1860
Sweden, Stockholm Church Records, 1556-1939, index 1634-1860
Sweden, Uppsala Church Records, 1308-1901; index 1613-1860
Sweden, Värmland Church Records, 1509-1925; index 1640-1860
Sweden, Västerbotten Church Records, 1619-1896; index, 1688-1860
Sweden, Västernorrland Church Records, 1501-1940; index 1650-1860
Sweden, Västmanland Church Records, 1538-1901; index 1622-1860

U.S., Alabama, County Estate Records, 1800-1996
U.S., Arkansas County Marriages, 1837-1957
U.S., Arkansas, Death Index, 1914-1950
U.S., Arkansas, Divorce Index, 1923-1939
U.S., Arkansas, Marriage Index, 1933-1939
U.S., California, Death Index, 1905-1939
U.S., California, Death Index, 1940-1997
U.S., California, Divorce Index, 1966-1984
U.S., California, Great Registers, 1866-1910
U.S., California, Northern U.S. District Court Naturalization Index, 1852-1989
U.S., Colorado, Statewide Marriage Index, 1900-1939
U.S., Connecticut Divorce Index, 1968-1997

U.S., Delaware, Vital Record Index Cards, 1680-1934
U.S., Delaware, Wilmington Vital Records, 1847-1954
U.S., District of Columbia Marriages, 1811-1950
U.S., Florida, Death Index, 1877-1998U.S. 
U.S., Florida, Marriage Index, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001
U.S., Georgia, World War II Draft Registration Cards,1940-1942
U.S., Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959 (LaGrange and Lawrence counties)
U.S., Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959 (Lake county)
U.S., Iowa, County Births, 1880-1935

U.S., Maine, Veterans Cemetery Records, 1676-1918
U.S., Maryland, Probate Estate and Guardianship Files, 1796-1940
U.S., Massachusetts, State Vital Records, 1841-1920
U.S., Michigan, County Marriages, 1820-1935
U.S., Minnesota, County Marriages, 1860-1949
U.S., Minnesota, Divorce Index, 1970-1995
U.S., Minnesota, Marriage Index, 1958-2001

U.S., Nevada, Marriage Index, 1956-2005
U.S., New Mexico, County Death Records, 1907-1952
U.S., New York, Probate Records, 1629-1971
U.S., North Carolina, County Records, 1833-1970
U.S., North Carolina, Estate Files, 1663-1964
U.S., North Carolina, State Supreme Court Case Files, 1800-1909
U.S., Ohio, County Births, 1856-1909
U.S., Ohio, County Marriages, 1790-1950
U.S., Oklahoma, Applications for Allotment, Five Civilized Tribes, 1899-1907

U.S., Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh City Deaths, 1870-1905
U.S., South Carolina Deaths, 1915-1943
U.S., South Dakota, School Records, 1884-1938
U.S., Tennessee, State Marriage Index, 1780-2002
U.S., Utah, Territorial Militia Records, 1849-1877
U.S., Vermont, Vital Records, 1760-1954

U.S., Washington, King County Probate Records, 1854-1927
U.S., West Virginia Will Books, 1756-1971
U.S., Wisconsin, Dane County Naturalization Records, 1887-1945
U.S., Wisconsin, Death Index, 1820-1907
U.S., Wisconsin, Divorce Index, 1965-1984
U.S., Wisconsin, Marriage Index, 1973-1997

United States, Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files
United States, Index to Indian Wars Pension Files, 1892-1926
United States, Mexican War Pension Index, 1887-1926
United States, Old War Pension Index, 1815-1926
United States, Remarried Widows Index to Pension Applications, 1887-1942
United States, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 (HI)

Intro the 1940 US Census at Riverton FS Library

Riverton FamilySearch Library to Host an Event 

Introducing the 1940 Federal Census

 On March 17th from 9:00 A.M. to Noon

When you think of the 1940s, images of World War II, big band music, Casablanca, Humphrey Bogart, and Ingrid Bergman come to mind.  It was the era of swing dancing, victory gardens, rationing sugar, and when you might have referred to someone old-fashioned as a “fuddy-duddy.”

Popular genealogist Tim Bingaman will bring the 1940s to life in his keynote address at the Riverton Saturday Seminar on March 17. In his presentation, “The 1940 Federal Census: The Greatest Generation,” he will explain what genealogical gems can be gleaned from the 1940 census, how to get involved in indexing it so it will be made available free online, and how individuals can be located on the census until indexes are available. 

Tim Bingaman was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and has lived in Utah since 1980. He began to research his family lines in 1982 and has never stopped. After a three-year stint in the U.S. Army, he attended Harrisburg Area Community College and received his B.A. in history from Brigham Young University. Tim taught high school in St. Johns, Arizona, from 1984-1989, teaching U.S. and world history, geography, economics, and health. He has been an accredited genealogist since 1991 in Mid-Atlantic States research. Currently he is a reference consultant at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

Following the 9:00 a.m. keynote presentation, there will be two blocks of four classes each that will cover topics of interest to both beginning and advanced family history enthusiasts.

Classes to be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. are:

• “FamilySearch and Billion Graves--Family History Sources Right at Your Feet”--Curtis Tirrell 

• “Ireland Research Online”--Phil Dunn

• “Synching Legacy 7.5 with the new FamilySearch”--John Baker

• “Searching for Interesting Information about Your Utah Pioneer Ancestors”--Delwin Remington

The classes available from 11:00 a.m. to noon are:

• “FamilySearch and Billion Graves--Family History Sources Right at Your Feet” (Repeat) -- C Tirrell

• “Genealogy Gifts and Games”--Kim Woodbury

• “Increasing Productivity on the New FamilySearch Website”-- Andrea Schnakenburg

• “Hatching Eggs:  The Chart Chick Tries to Engage Her Teenage Children with Their Family History”--Janet Hovorka

Registration is not required for this free seminar. The Riverton FamilySearch Library is located in the LDS Riverton Office Building at 3740 Market Center Drive. The facility is near the intersection of Bangerter Highway and 13400 South, just east of the Home Depot.

1940 Census - 47 Days Away From Release!

The time is drawing near - are your ancestors in the 1940 census? Maybe your parents, your grandparents -- or even yourself?



Join the excitement and sign up to help index the 1940 census beginning April 2, 2012! Click on the image below.

New FamilySearch WILL (Eventually) Become FamilySearch Family Tree

If you follow my blog you know that I hate to reinvent the wheel and I just want to get the important info out to my readers. So I am going to refer you to a couple of other blogs where the authors have done a fantastic job of discussing and presenting the features of the new FamilySearch Family Tree. 

I have enjoyed a number of presentations given lately by Ron Tanner of FamilySearch; (about five, I think!) on the subject of the changes coming later this year with new.familysearch.org. New FamilySearch will become part of FamilySearch.org and become Family Tree. I'm testing this Family Tree now and, even though it still needs work, it will be a worldwide family tree. Eventually it will have sources, links to online sources, stories and pictures.

A couple of my fellow bloggers, Ancestry Insider and James Tanner from Genealogy's Star each has posted about this change and the ensuing product. So rather than me redoing the same thing, I want to send your their way.

These changes will be opened to the public, hopefully by the end of the year, for everyone to utilize, including both adding to and editing the family trees! We should all be extremely excited! So hop on over and read!

"A Monstrosity, Wonderful Thing" by Ancestry Insider

"Family Tree to Replace New FamilySearch by Year's End" by James Tanner of Genealogy's Star

Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner Valentine's Day Special

The Flip-Pal mobile scanner Valentine's Day "Gift of Love" Sale

Do you know someone that has shoeboxes of old photos that are waiting to be scanned? Perhaps a few heirloom items? What better way to show your love this Valentine’s Day then by giving them a Flip-Pal mobile scanner to preserve those memories!

From February 8 through Valentine’s Day (February 14) 2012, you can make sure that their memories are safe and preserved—to share with future generations. Just use the coupon codes below when ordering on our shop page.

Save $20 when you purchase a Flip-Pal mobile scanner plus a Deluxe Flip-Pal mobile scanner Carry Case with Pocket (both items must be in your shopping cart).
Use Coupon Code: LOVE12FP

Save $30 when you purchase a Flip-Pal mobile scanner with Creative Suite Craft Edition DVD plus a Deluxe Flip-Pal mobile scanner Carry Case with Pocket (both items must be in your shopping cart). Use Coupon Code: LOVE12CS

Happy Valentine's Day!
—The Flip-Pal mobile scanner Team     

(Disclaimer: I am not employed by Flip-Pal or in any way connected except that I own one that I purchased and love it!)        

RPAC ANNOUNCES STOP ID THEFT NOW! CAMPAIGN WITH WHITE HOUSE PETITION

NOTE: This is a critical issue for everyone!

Genealogy Community Responds To Efforts To Remove Access to Social Security Death Index and Other Records

February 7, 2012– Austin, TX: The Records Preservation & Access Committee (RPAC) – a joint coalition of international genealogical societies representing millions of genealogists and family historians – announces the launch of its Stop ID Theft NOW! campaign with its We The People petition posted at WhiteHouse.gov.

Call To Action For IRS To Do Its Job

Each year, fraudulent tax refund claims based upon identity theft from recently deceased infants and adults are filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The current target is the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) or Death Master File since this file, as found on numerous genealogy-oriented websites, could possibly be the source of identity thieves acquiring a deceased person’s Social Security number.

The IRS could close the door to this form of identity theft if, in fact, it were to use the Death Master File for the purpose for which it was created: to reduce fraud. If returns claiming a tax refund were screened against the Master Death File and matching cases identified for special processing, the thief should receive a rejection notice for the filing.

Tax Fraud and Identity Theft: Genealogists Are Not To Blame

The House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Social Security is proposing to completely shut down use of the SSDI by genealogists as well as other industries such as banking and insurance that rely upon its information. Such an attempt is short-sighted and runs counter to the original purpose of the SSDI: to actually combat fraud.

Loss of Access to SSDI Affects More Than Genealogists

The SSDI is accessed by many different companies, non-profits and other entities besides individuals researching their family history. Forensic specialists utilize the SSDI when reuniting remains of military veterans with their next-of-kin and descendants. Law offices, banks and insurance companies utilize the SSDI to resolve probate cases and to locate heirs.

All of these entities would be required to spend more money and more time leveraging other resources of information when the SSDI has served this purpose, uninterrupted, for over a decade.

RPAC Petitions Obama Administration

The We the People petition, now posted at http://wh.gov/khE and accepting signatures, has a simple yet effective mission:

Take immediate steps that would curtail the filing of fraudulent tax refund claims based upon identity theft from recently deceased infants and adults.

[Note: Visitors to the WhiteHouse.gov website must log in to sign the petition, or click Create an Account to register. Once registered, return tohttp://wh.gov/khE to sign the petition.]

No need for lengthy hearings in front of a Congressional committee. No need for filing statements for or against any House action. No need to waste time and effort which could be directed to more pressing national issues. In fact, the National Taxpayer Advocate in 2011 issued suggestions which do not require additional legislation but can be implemented collaboratively between the IRS and Social Security Administration (SSA) almost immediately in time to impact the current tax filing season.

About Records Preservation & Access Committee (RPAC)

The Records Preservation & Access Committee (RPAC) was formed to advise the genealogical community on ensuring proper access to historical records of genealogical value in whatever media they are recorded, on means to affect legislation, and on supporting strong records preservation policies and practices.

The genealogical community works together through The Records Preservation and Access Committee (RPAC), which today includes The National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) as voting members. The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), the American Society of Genealogists (ASG), ProQuest and Ancestry.com serve as participating members.

To learn more visit http://www.fgs.org/rpac/.

Instructions for signing up at WhiteHouse.gov and signing the petition can be found at http://fgs.org/pdf/rpac_petition.pdf.


NOTE: Dear Myrtle has posted an excellent followup to this post about RPAC that should answer any questions you may have. 

Rootstech Developer Challenge Winners

RootsTech Announces Winners of the Developer Challenge

Congratulations to the winners of the of the RootsTech Developer Challenge.

First Place: Jimmy Zimmerman, NoteFuser

NoteFuser connects your Evernote® notes to Geni.com or new.FamilySearch.org person records. It also allows you to easily create Evernote® powered research logs and other notes with one click.  Make sure you watch the NoteFuser Demo video on the homepage http://notefuser.herokuapp.com.

Second Place: Brooke Schreier Ganz, LeafSeek

LeafSeek helps you turn your genealogical or historical record collections into searchable online databases. LeafSeek includes features such as built-in geo-spatial searches, pop-up Google Maps, Beider-Morse Phonetic Matching, name synonyms, and language localization to help you turn your spreadsheets of names and dates into a full-featured genealogy search engine.  Check it out at leafseak.com.

Third Place (tie): Brigham Young University Computer Science Department, 20 Minute Genealogist

20 Minute Genealogist is a site that will visualize your family tree using your new.FamilySearch.org credentials.  You can see who in your tree needs work and instantly link to FamilySearch and Ancestry to search for the missing information.  Sign up to be a beta tester at twenty.byu.edu. 

Third Place (tie): Ellie Rasmus, Facetree

Facetree has been developed as a way of using genealogical data from GEDCOM files as context to improve the accuracy of face recognition.

UVTAGG Saturday Seminar - Feb. 11th - 9am to noon

The next regular, second-Saturday-of-the-month meeting of the Utah Valley Technology and Genealogy Group - UVTAGG (Formerly the Utah Valley PAF Users Group - UVPAFUG) will be on Saturday, 11 Feb 2012, from 9 am to noon in the LDS "Red Chapel", 4050 North Timpview Drive (650 East), Provo. 

The main presentation for this meeting will be by Randy Bryson on FAMILYSEARCH SCANNING - THE STORY OF OPENING THE GRANITE MOUNTAIN RECORDS VAULT.  Since 1938 the Genealogical Society of Utah, which is now part of FamilySearch, has been capturing on film the records of the world and storing that film in the Granite Mountain Records Vault.  In the past decade, modern technology and dedicated engineers have developed a means to convert those images on film to images on the Internet.  This presentation will provide insight into how the images are being converted, some of the incredible challenges that have been overcome, and how today we experience one of the most prolific efforts in the world to make the records of our ancestors available to a world-wide population.  

Randy Bryson is currently an Area Family History Advisor in the Utah South Area of the LDS Church and is a past Family History Center Director, as well as formerly serving as 1st Counselor in the Lehi Utah Stake Presidency with assignment over Temple and Family History work.  Also, professionally working for the Family History Department, he has had experience in the development and use of FamilySearch.org, newFamilySearch, Scanning, Indexing, and older products such as Personal Ancestral File (PAF), the Pedigree Resource File (PRF), and other systems.  He now works to use the Church's technology to provide FamilySearch to the homes of members and nonmembers alike.  Brother Bryson lives in Lehi, Utah with his beautiful wife, Madge, also an Area Family History Adviser.  They have two married daughters and three married sons with twelve grandchildren in Utah, Idaho and Alabama. 

Following the main presentation there will be several classes about family history and technology with something for everyone at any level of expertise. The teachers and classes presently scheduled for this meeting are as follows:  

1. Using the U.S. Census, by Marilyn Thomsen
2. Using Ancestry's Family Trees, by Kathy Magleby
3. Q&A on Scanning Records in the Granite Vault
4. Video of last month's main presentation:  The Changing Face of Family History Research, by Karen Clifford
5. Personalized Help, by Don Engstrom & Finn Hansen
6. RootsMagic, by Bruce Buzbee
7. Ancestral Quest, by Gaylon Findlay
8. Legacy, by Dean Bennett.

All meetings of the Group are open to the public whether members of the Group or not. The Group has the goal of helping individuals use technology to further their family history and there are usually 100-125 attending the monthly meetings on the second Saturdays. 

Riverton FamilySearch Saturday Seminar - Feb. 18th, 9am to Noon

Introducing FamilySearch Family Tree

RIVERTON, UTAH - Genealogists and enthusiasts alike have benefited from new.familysearch.org, but FamilySearch’s new Family Tree will take things to a whole new level.  Back by popular demand is one of our favorite speakers, Ron Tanner, who will offer the keynote address at the Riverton Saturday Seminar on February 18. In his address, “The Future of FamilySearch Family Tree,” he will discuss the issues with new.familysearch,org and how the Family Tree that is being built for www.familysearch.org will solve many of the existing problems.  He will also offer a product demonstration of the Family Tree.

Ron Tanner is a product manager for the Family History Department. His primary responsibility is to lead a team doing research and design of new.familysearch.org and companion products. Ron has a master’s degree in Computer Science from BYU and has previously worked as a product manager and engineer at Novell, Citrix, and Bell Laboratories.  Ron and his wife CheRee have four children, 2 son-in-laws, and a daughter-in-law.

Following the 9:00 a.m. keynote presentation, there will be two blocks of four classes each that will cover topics of interest to both beginning and advanced family history enthusiasts.

Classes to be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. are:  

     ·         “Research Strategies and Websites” (2 Hours) - Diana Toland 

•  “Your Head in the Cloud and Your Feet on the Ground” - Bret Petersen
• “Loops, Dups, and Oops! New FamilySearch and Ancestral Relationships” - Samantha Sulser
• “Danish Research-Using the Internet” - Orla and Karen Pedersen

The classes available from 11:00 a.m. to noon are:  

     ·         “Research Strategies and Websites” (Continued) - Diana Toland 

• “Organizing Your Genealogy” - Beth Taylor
•  “Loops, Dups, and Oops! New FamilySearch and Ancestral Relationships” (Repeat) - Samantha Sulser

• “Strategies for Searching-Using Ancestry.com” - Sue Maxwell

Registration is not required for this free seminar. The Riverton FamilySearch Library is located in the LDS Riverton Office Building at 3740 Market Center Drive. The facility is near the intersection of Bangerter Highway and 13400 South, just east of the Home Depot.

FamilySearch Indexing App for Apple and Android Released

A new day has dawned and the Genealogy world is excited! FamilySearch launched its much-anticipated mobile device for indexing. The device will expand the capability of volunteers to help make the world’s historic records searchable online.  The mobile device app works on Apple iPads, iPhones, and Droid smartphones. You can now index records from around the world while you are on the go!

 I will cover the iPad process. First, go to your app store icon on your iPad. Search for “FamilySearch indexing”, download, and wait for the installation to complete. If you have a FamilySearch login you can enter the information and enter indexing immediately. If you do not have one there is a link to register for a free account.

When you first open the indexing app you receive the typical license agreement page. The first page displayed after that is the guide to indexing records and instructions on interpreting the data. Carefully read through the instructions so that you will be comfortable with the way fields of data should be transcribed. To gain the most accuracy with the transcribed records it's important to follow the punctuation guidelines and information on Names and Title use. You can always refer back to the guide by selecting the icon located at the bottom center of the app.

Select the indexing tab (bottom left) to see image snippets from handwritten historical documents from a variety of record forms that allow you to simply transcribe what you see in the image. Because the image size is small enough to fit on the screen of the iPad or iPhone you only see a single field from the set of records which is typically a name. Transcription of these single name images may easily provide indexes for those records that are currently browsable only or to some new records.Just tap the white space for your keyboard to display and start typing the name. When you are confident you have it spelled as displayed simply click on SUBMIT at the right side of the while space.

If you are having difficulty deciphering the written names, select the icon at the top center of the screen to view the entire document, or a larger area of it, which will help you compare the handwriting on the entire page.

As you proceed through the images you can select the history tab located at the bottom of the app. This tab screen will let you view the images, as well as, your transcription of the images that have been submitted. If you determine that your translation was probably incorrect you can swipe your finger from the right side of the screen towards the center and a delete button will appear for that image. That image will be transcribed by others and compared with all transcriptions until a consensus is reached.

The stats tab will easily show you the number of images you transcribed and the level of difficulty. On the settings tab you can establish your preferred level of difficulty and save some records off line to transcribe when you are not connected to a computer or Wi-Fi. (Future enhancement)

Currently, the FamilySearch indexing app is in beta version and is free for you to help transcribe the millions of images FamilySearch is providing to the public worldwide for free. More enhancements will be forthcoming to add extra value to the app.

Use one of the apps to help you grow your indexing skills and you will be prepared when the 1940 census is released for indexing in about 55 days (April 2, 2012. Hundreds of thousands of individuals from around the world are needed to help transcribe all FamilySearch records including the 1940 U.S. Federal census records as quickly as possible. FamilySearch is collaborating with both Archives.com and brightsolid, both online providers of genealogical and historical data, to provide high quality indexed records for the 1940 census.

#Rootstech 2012 - Day 1

Ancestry.com, Behindthename.com, and WeRelate.com Announce an Improved Approach For Finding Variant Names

Ancestry.com, BehindTheName.com, and WeRelate.org announce an improved approach to finding variant names in genealogy searches.  Up to now, most genealogy websites have had to rely upon Soundex to return variant names in response to searches. These approaches often miss variants that should be returned, or include variants that aren't very similar.

Ancestry.com, BehindTheName.com, and WeRelate.org have created an open-source database of name variants that is free for any website or genealogy software developer to use. Tested against pairs of names provided by Ancestry.com, it reduces the number of missed name variants by over 25% in comparison with Soundex.

How you can help: A large portion of genealogical expertise involves learning variant spellings for the surnames in your tree. Why not share your knowledge with others? By adding your variant spellings to the database, searches on any website that uses it will include your variant spellings automatically. You can review and add variant spellings here: http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Special:Names

In addition, we need people to review the changes that others have made to the database, to make sure that we have multiple pairs of eyes reviewing the names that are being added and removed. You can review changes that others have made here: http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Special:NamesLog

If you are a website or software developer: The database and source code are available at: https://github.com/DallanQ/Names

In addition to the database of name variants, the source code also includes a function to return the similarity score between any two names. This function has been found useful in duplicate detection.

More information about the project can be found at: http://www.werelate.org/wiki/WeRelate:Variant_names_project

Win an iPad Thanks to RootsMagic and Rootstech!

I know you all see plenty of posts on facebook about winning a new iPad but this one is FOR REAL. In conjunction with the week's Rootstech conference, RootsMagic is giving two away!  ... and YES, IT's FREE! You don't even have to be in attendance to win! Just follow the rules as listed below. (Keep scrottling to find the clue!) The following is from our friends at RootsMagic! 

         It’s been a tremendous last few months here at RootsMagic. We’ve been busy with the new releases of Personal Historian 2 and RootsMagic 5. We're also excited to participate in one of the largest genealogy events in North America- RootsTech!


We want to celebrate these momentous events with you, our loyal users! And what better way to celebrate than with a treasure hunt where you could win one of many prizes including an iPad 2!

Online Treasure Hunt

We've partnered with 15 of the best and brightest genealogy bloggers who will be reporting at the RootsTech conference. Each blogger will place one of 15 clue words on their website
From Thursday, February 2 through Wednesday, February 8, 2012, visit http://www.rootsmagic.com/treasure for a complete list of the blogs where the 15 clue words can be found. Visit each blog, collect all 15 clue words, and you could win software, prizes, or an iPad 2!

Enter at RootsTech or at Home

Once you've collected the clues there are two ways to enter. The first is at the RootsTech conference itself. Pick up an entry card at the RootsMagic booth (#224) in the Exhibit Hall. Write the clue words on the back of the card and return it to the RootsMagic booth in the Exhibit Hall by Saturday, February 4 at 1:20 pm. At that time, we will hold the prize drawings. You must be present to win.


We didn't want those who aren't able to attend RootsTech in person to feel left out so we're holding a second drawing and giving away more prizes including a second iPad 2. To enter this drawing, visit http://www.rootsmagic.com/treasure anytime between Thursday, February 2 and midnight MST on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Fill out the online form to be entered into the second drawing. You may enter both drawings but one entry per person, per drawing. Winners will be picked at random and notified via e-mail by Friday, February 10, 2012.


Remember, the treasure hunt doesn't begin until this Thursday. Good luck!

African-American and Swedish Research Series Classes at Family History Library in February

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- Genealogists and family history enthusiasts looking for help with African-American research will be interested in African-American classes held at the Family History Library in February. A free African-American Research Series will be held on Saturday, February 11 at the Family History Library. The classes will include:

 9:00 a.m.    “Four Key Resources for Research”

10:15 a.m.  “Genealogical Proof Standard for Solving Research Problems”

11:30 a.m.  “Southern Plantation Records”

For those looking for help with Swedish research a free Swedish Research Series will be held on Saturday, February 25 at the Family History Library. The classes will include:

 9:00 a.m.    “Swedish Military Records and Strategies - Army”

10:00 a.m.  “Swedish Military Records and Strategies - Navy”

11:00 a.m.  “Reconnecting with Living Relatives in Sweden”

To view the class schedule online, go to www.familysearch.org.  Classes will be held in the Main Floor classroom of the Family History Library.  The library is located west of Temple Square on West Temple between North Temple and South Temple Streets in downtown Salt Lake City.  On Saturdays, parking is free to library patrons and is located behind the Church History Museum.  To register for these free classes, send an email to FHLClassReg@familysearch.org or call 1-801-240-4950. 

All Your Rootstech Tips, Tricks and Blogs

I'm so getting ready for Rootstech and so are many of you. I've been busy trying to keep track of everyone's ideas, suggestions and insights into getting the absolute most out of the Rootstech experience. And there are so many wonderful fellow bloggers out there who are posting like crazy. It's a flurry of activity. So I'm going to try to create an index here of what I'm finding in this week or so leading up to Opening Day at Rootstech.

Last Minute Deal and Why You Should be at Rootstech:
   Rootstech - Should You Go? (Mormon Life Hacker)

Rootstech Website:
   Rootstech
   Rootstech Conference Guide - pdf file
   Schedule for FH Consultants, Priesthood Leaders and FH Directors


Mobile App:
   Mobile App (GenealogyInsider-Jan 25)
   Rootstech App Available for Download (GeneaMusings-Randy Seaver-Jan 24)
   Rootstech App: A Wonderful Resource for Attendees (SCGS Jamboree-Jan 25)
   Rootstech App Is Available (For Your Family Story-Caroline Pointer-Jan 24)


Prepping for the Conference:
   Prepare Before Attending  (Granite Genealogy-SueMaxwell)
   What is Your Rootstech Strategy (Geneabloggers-Randy Seaver)
   Wallflowers Guide to Rootstech (The We Tree Blog-Amy Coffin)
   11 Tips for Attending Rootstech (GenBlog-Julie Cahill Tarr)
   Preparing for Rootstech (Elyse's Genealogy Blog-Elyse Doerflinger)
   Road Trip to Rootstech (The Armchair Genealogist-Lynn Palermo)
   Syllabi Before You Go (Behold Genealogy-Louis Kessler)
   Robert Raymond - FamilySearch Deputy to CGO


Getting Around Salt Lake:
   Quick Insider's Guide (The Chart Chick-Janet Hovorka, who, by the way is the President of UGA here in Utah.)
   Salt Lake Travel and Tourism - Updated Daily


Visiting the Family History Library:
   The Insiders Guide to the Family History Library and SLC (The Ginger Jewish Genealogist-Benai Feldstein)
   Research at the Family History Library (About.com Genealogy - Kimberly Powell)
   Tips For Visiting The Family History Library  (FamilySearch)
   Complete Overview of the Family History Library (FamilySearch)
   Tips for First Time Family History Library Visitors (Shelley Bishop)  

Newspaper Articles:
   Rootstech Conference (Deseret News-Jan 25)
   Genealogy 'Idol' Quest Takes Place (Litchfield County Times-Jan 18)
   Utah Family History Conference Will Broadcast Live

Sponsorship Info:
   brightsolid Sponsors Rootstech (EOGN-Jan 24)
   brightsolid: A Main Partner of Rootstech 2012 (Dear Myrtle-Jan 24)
   brightsolid Sponsors Rootstech 2012 (Press Dispensary-Jan 24)
   APG a sponsor of Rootstech

Presenters - Featured
   Steve Morse - creator of the "One-Step" website
   Dallan Quass - developer behind WeRelate
   Chris Whitten - creator of WikiTree
   Scott Woodward - Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundattion and subsidiary, GeneTree
   David Embley - Key Ideas to be Learned From his Presentation - for software developers
   Patricia Van Skaik - Author, web master, manager, conference organizer, etc!
   Capers McDonald - Exec in Residence and faculty member of John Hopkins University
   Amy Johnson Crow - Certified Genealogist and manager at Archives.com
   Robert Lee - Working on Masters in technology at BYU
   Daniel Horowitz - My Heritage Chief Genealogist
   Tevya Washburn and Kurt Francom - LifeHacker.com
   Devin Ashby - Community Advocate for FamilySearch

Interviews:
   Janet Hovorka of The Chart Chick by Amy Coffin at The We Tree Blog
   Martha Mercer - Maia's Books by Shelley Bishop at A Sense of Family

Live Streaming:
   Sessions You Can Watch From Home (GenealogyInsider-Jan 25)
   Rootstech: Live-Streaming Sessions (The Armchair Genealogist-Lynn Palermo)
   Rootstech to Stream Live Sessions (Adventures in Genealogy Education-Angela McGhie-Jan 26)
   Rootstech 2012 Live Streaming Schedule (Roger's Ramblings-Roger Moffat)
   Rootstech 2012 Live Streaming (Bella Online Genelogy - Tina Sansone)
   Watch Select Rootstech Presentations Online - FamilySearch Tech Tips
   Rootstech Notes-Live Broadcast (Genealogy Star-James Tanner) 

Unconferencing:
   Rootstech Unconferencing Schedule
   Genealogical Society Webmasters - Rootstech 2012 Unconference
   fhiso-Build a Better Gedcom

Genealogy Idol:
   Rootstech Genealogy Idol-Your Vote Counts!
   Genealogy Idol Competition
   Gen Idol-At Least We Won't Be Singing
   How Will Be The Next Genealogy Idol?
   Genealogy Idol Finalists

Vendor Posts about Rootstech:   
   Geni.com
   GeneTree
   MyHeritage
   Stories To Tell (An interview by Amy Coffin at We Tree)
   RootsMagic Treasure Hunt
   Billion Graves
   My Heritage (World Vital Records
   Ancestry.com - Scanning Books (Ancestry Insider)
   Mocavo - Context Give-Aways

Other Blog Posts:
   Four Genealogists Compete for Top Honors at Rootstech (GenealogyInsider-Diane Haddad)
   Be Sure You Check the Right Schedule to Avoid Disappointment (Deb's Delvings-Debbie Parker Wayne)
   Let's Get Happy and Bump at Rootstech (For Your Family Story-Caroline Pointer)
   Who Will Be The Next Genealogy Idol? (Elyse's Genealogy Blog-Elyse Doerflinger)
   I'll Be At Rootstech (Behold Genealogy - Louis Kessler)

Post Conference Webinars:
   DearMyrtle's Rootstech 2012 Review

If I have missed some of the better ones from this last week or so or new ones get posted and I miss them, please let me know.